Intern at CRITI

Empowering Women.

Supporting Change.

Gaining Experience.

At Chattanooga Room in the Inn, our mission is to empower women and children experiencing homelessness to rebuild their lives by providing transitional housing, support, and hope. Our internship program plays a vital role in this mission offering passionate individuals a chance to gain hands-on experience while directly contributing to meaningful, life-changing work.

Please Note

Internships at Chattanooga Room in the Inn are unpaid at this time. While we are unable to offer financial compensation, we are committed to providing a rich, meaningful experience that supports personal and professional growth. Many of our interns have used this opportunity to fulfill academic requirements, build their resumes, and launch successful careers in social services and nonprofit work.

Testimonials

“Completing my occupational therapy doctoral capstone/internship at Chattanooga Room in the Inn was one of the most meaningful experiences of my academic journey. This experience was impactful and transformative in my own life, specifically in how I view individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Working with women and children who are experiencing homelessness gave me a deeper understanding of the role that occupational therapy can play in rebuilding lives and an awareness of the resources that the Chattanooga area offers to support our community.

During my time at CRITI, I had the opportunity to support residents as they developed confidence in their employment skills during life skills classes. I also had the opportunity to support the staff through an internal program evaluation that aimed to understand the impact that CRITI has on the individuals that they serve. Although I was there to serve and support CRITI during my internship, I quickly realized that the CRITI staff wanted to support me and my academic goals in any way possible.

CRITI is a special place and I'm incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to such a wonderful community.”

--Sydni Owens, Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD) intern

“If you’re thinking about interning at Chattanooga Room in the Inn, I can’t recommend it enough. My time there as a Child Advocate Intern was truly eye-opening and meaningful. I got to work hands-on with children and their mothers who were experiencing homelessness, and it really challenged me to grow in ways I didn’t expect.

I helped plan activities for the kids, supported them through daily routines, and just tried to be a consistent, calming presence. Some days were tough emotionally there’s no denying that but every moment felt purposeful. I learned so much about trauma-informed care, how to advocate for families, and how to meet people where they are with compassion and respect.

One of the most powerful parts was getting to build real relationships with the children and moms. They taught me about resilience and hope, even in the hardest situations. It also gave me a clearer vision for my future in child life and advocacy.

If you’re passionate about working with children, especially in vulnerable situations, this internship will give you the experience, perspective, and heart you need to make a real difference. My life and goals were forever changed thanks to CRITI.”

--Haley Stovall, Children & Family Studies

Program Goals

Our internship program is designed to:

Provide real-world experience in the nonprofit and social services sector
Develop practical and professional skills in a supportive environment
Engage future leaders in the critical work of ending homelessness
Deepen understanding of the complexities surrounding poverty, housing, and systemic barriers
Foster a commitment to community service and social justice

Focus Areas

Interns can expect to work closely with staff and clients in one or more of the following areas:

Case Management: Assist with intake, documentation, goal setting, and ongoing support for clients
Outreach: Help raise awareness, connect with community partners
Fundraising & Development: Contribute to donor stewardship, community engagement, and communications
Administration: Gain experience in nonprofit operations, data entry, and program evaluation

Target Audience

This program is ideal for:

College students pursuing degrees in social work, nonprofit management, psychology, public health, or related fields
Recent graduates seeking real-world experience in the nonprofit sector
Individuals looking to transition into social services or deepen their understanding of homelessness and housing issues
Individuals without a college degree who have relevant life experience, a passion for service, and a desire to make a difference
Career changers exploring the nonprofit or social services sector for the first time
Community members interested in gaining deeper insight into homelessness, housing justice, and supportive services

Hands-On Experience

Interns are integrated into our daily operations, working side by side with our dedicated staff to support women and children rebuilding their lives. You won’t just observe, you'll contribute.

Skill Development

Interns will develop key professional and interpersonal skills, including:

Effective communication and active listening
Problem-solving and crisis management
Time management and task prioritization
Program coordination and documentation
Empathy, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care

Networking

Interns have opportunities to connect with professionals across disciplines, including social workers, nonprofit leaders, educators, advocates, and community partners. These connections can lead to future job opportunities and long-term career support.

Real-World Impact

The work you do matters. Interns help our clients navigate complex challenges, celebrate milestones, and move toward stability and independence. Your time and talents directly influence positive change in our community.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're passionate about empowering women and children and want to gain valuable experience in a mission-driven organization, we encourage you to apply below for our internship program.

Program Benefits

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